STUDENTS on a placement course at Dudley had a culture shock when they exchanged their flat Netherlands homeland for a hillside site.

Anne Van Alem, Marlotte Van Scherpenzeel, both 20, and Emma Hagenbarth, 19, from Greenhurst College, Barneveld, Holland, are working as volunteers until May.

CEO Peter Suddock said: “It certainly surprised them when they saw our hillside location. It’s very different from what they are used to at home.

“They are studying animal management and the placement is part of their coursework, which demands theyshow initiative by arranging the visit themselves.

“They chose Dudley Zoo because of our excellent reputation and we agreed to take them on a five-month placement.”

The trio are working in all sections, including big cats, primates, ungulates and birds, plus spending time with the zoo’s dducation team.

Peter added: “Working across all sections affords the students a full overview of DZG, plus an insight into our conservation programmes and education projects and they also get to work alongside keeping staff.”

In addition to college coursework the trio have been set tasks by the zoo, including mapping the dimensions of all animal enclosures across the 40 acre-site, and shadowing keepers working with rare and endangered species.